If you’ve ever started your morning at Scrambles Café, you know why locals can’t stop talking about it. The scent of sizzling bacon drifts through the air. Coffee cups clink softly on the tables. Conversations hum between neighbors, friends, and first-time visitors who already feel like regulars. It’s not just breakfast—it’s community.

For me, it’s more than that. I find myself scheduling early-morning meetings there once or twice a week. There’s something about the warm buzz of conversation and the comfort of knowing everyone’s happy to see each other that makes Scrambles the perfect place to start the day. The food’s great, of course—but it’s the people who make it unforgettable.

For owner Bob Perrault, that sense of belonging is exactly what drew him in. “I had been retired for five years and was a regular customer at Scrambles,” he recalls. “One day I asked the previous owners if they ever planned to retire. They said, ‘possibly.’ A few months later, I bought the place.”

That one conversation turned into a new calling. Three years later, Bob is still behind the counter, greeting guests, cracking jokes, and leading one of Ocala’s most beloved breakfast spots with humility and heart.

The Spark
Bob has been an entrepreneur most of his life. His first venture began when he was just 21 years old, purchasing a Wise Potato Chip franchise.

Over the years, he went on to start, build, and sell several businesses, including an ATM operation in the Northeast. “I’ve gone into a lot of things I didn’t know much about,” he laughs. “And that means you make plenty of mistakes—but those are the lessons you never forget.”

When retirement rolled around, Bob thought he was done chasing business dreams. Then Scrambles came calling. “It was supposed to be just a good place to grab breakfast,” he says. “But after spending time there and getting to know the staff and the customers, I realized it was something special. I didn’t just want to eat there—I wanted to keep it alive.”

For Bob, Scrambles became more than a restaurant. It became a ministry of smiles and service. “Our customers make it easy to come to work every day,” he says. “They’re the reason I love what I do.”

The Journey
Owning a restaurant wasn’t part of Bob’s retirement plan. “It was definitely a new learning curve,” he says. “I’d owned all kinds of businesses, but running a café is different—you’re dealing with food, people, timing, and teamwork every single minute.”

Still, Bob approached it with humility, curiosity, and grit. “I’ve always believed that if you take care of people and work hard, good things happen,” he says.

Bob has found joy in the rhythm of Scrambles life. He loves the regulars who come in like clockwork, the families celebrating small milestones, and the new faces who wander in after church. “Owning Scrambles has connected me to people in ways no other business ever has,” he reflects. “It’s not just about serving food—it’s about serving people.”

The Ocala Connection
Bob has called Ocala home for eight years now. “The people here are genuinely kind,” he says. “They’re patient, thoughtful, and they really care about each other. That’s what makes this city special.”

That kindness has shaped the way he runs Scrambles. “My role is simple,” Bob explains. “Greet every person who walks through the door, make them feel welcome, and do my best to make sure they leave happy.”

He means it. Anyone who’s been there can tell you—Bob doesn’t just run the café; he’s part of the experience. He chats with customers, remembers their usual orders, and checks in on them like old friends. “If I can make someone’s morning better, that’s a good day in my book. This community has been so good to us,” Bob says. “We just try to return the favor.”

The Heart
For the Scrambles team, giving back is simply part of doing business the right way. “We try to support local schools, charities, and organizations whenever we can,” Bob shares. “We don’t do it for recognition—it’s just what you’re supposed to do.”

He believes in kindness without spotlight, generosity without grandstanding. “If someone needs a helping hand, we do our best to help. That’s what neighbors are for,” he says.

In a world that often feels rushed or impersonal, Scrambles stands out as a place where compassion is still on the menu.

The Difference

Great food, great service, and a clean, inviting atmosphere are table stakes in the restaurant world. But what truly sets Scrambles apart is its atmosphere—the intangible magic that happens when good food meets genuine care.

“Our customers don’t just eat here—they belong here,” Bob says. “We genuinely like them. We don’t have to try to make them feel welcome—they just are.”

That authenticity has created a loyal following that feels more like family than clientele. Regulars bring friends. Families bring generations. And newcomers quickly realize they’ve found a place that feels like home.

The staff deserves much of the credit, Bob says. “I couldn’t ask for a better team. They’re the reason people keep coming back. They treat every guest like they matter—because they do.”

The Vision
The future looks bright—and busy—for Scrambles Café. “There’s a good chance we’ll open a second location in Ocala,” Bob reveals. “Hopefully in 2026.”

The goal isn’t to expand for the sake of growth, but to multiply the sense of community Scrambles is known for. “We want to share this same atmosphere—the friendliness, the consistency, the care—with more people,” he says.

He’s also exploring new ways to give back, from community events to fundraisers that support local causes. “Ocala has given me so much,” Bob adds. “I want Scrambles to continue being a blessing in return.”

The Now
If you haven’t visited lately, there’s plenty new at Scrambles. Once known only for breakfast and lunch, the café now offers catering for all occasions.

With upgraded kitchen equipment, a wider menu, and a talented new chef bringing decades of catering experience, Scrambles can now bring its signature comfort food straight to your event. “We’re thrilled to expand what we can offer,” Bob says. “It’s the same quality people love here, just served wherever they need it.”

And yes—there are new specials coming soon, along with community partnerships and seasonal deals that keep things fresh. “We’ve always said Scrambles is about making people happy,” Bob smiles. “That’s not changing anytime soon.”

There you have it. Scrambles Café is more than a place to eat—it’s a place to belong. For Bob Perrault, what began as a passing question over breakfast has become a joyful purpose.

“I’ve started a lot of businesses in my life,” he says, “but none have made me this happy.”

So, if you’re ever near the Church of Hope on Maricamp Road, stop in at Scrambles Café. You might see Bob at the door, you might find me tucked in a corner booth hosting an early meeting, or you might just find yourself staying a little longer than you planned. Because at Scrambles, you don’t just come for breakfast—you come home.